Still, I enjoyed the book, even though I didn't quite like the narrator, who seemed like a wet rag next to the evil Rebecca (who I imagined looked like Joan Collins -- one of my aunties loved Dynasty so I got to watch it, as well).
Anyway, I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed with Hitchcock's version. I don't know if the copy that the Film Archive has is just messed up, but there were a lot of dodgy cuts and weird editing. Also, I didn't like the music that was chosen -- yeah, I'm acting like I know better than Hitchcock -- and I felt like Joan Fontaine's acting was really lacking next to Laurence Olivier and, especially, Judith Anderson.
My experience was also slightly marred by these two loud middle-aged bitches sitting next to me who wouldn't stop talking. I kept shushing them, and they would actually turn their heads to stare at me in shock for having the nerve to shush them. Finally, I issued a really loud "TSK!" which seemed to work for a little bit. So annoying!
I have a couple more films that I got tickets to: Psycho and Vertigo, which I will be watching next weekend. Psycho has special significance for me because it was the first film I ever watched. When I was around one, I think, my father took me to a special screening, and apparently, I was so scared that I was ill for a week or something.
I highly recommend checking out the regular offerings of the Film Archive over here, especially for the rare Chinese and Hong Kong films that they show. When else would you get a chance to see some classics on a big screen? Plus, I really like the staff there. They are really friendly and don't laugh at you when you trip as you look for your seat.
Vintage Hong Kong actors and actresses.
I have no idea what this is, but it's on display in the lobby. I know it's some kind of film equipment, but it also looks like it belongs in the military.
The exterior of the Film Archive. To get to this place, exit the MTR at Sai Wan Ho Station Exit A. Get your ass to the McDonald's and you'll see two flyovers. You'll have to cross the street below the flyovers and keep walking left. DON'T TRUST THE SIGNS POINTING YOU TO THE FILM ARCHIVE. Those signs are liars! Maybe I should write a letter of complaint because those signs will lead you to a residential block where old people will be frightened of you as you walk around in the rain cursing and looking for the Film Archive.
If you see this plaza, you'll know you're heading in the right direction. The Film Archive is around the corner from the building at the end.
Since Rebecca is somewhat Gothic in tone -- or at least, the book is -- I thought I'd recall my university years and dress Goth-y, too. Also, I'd just finished making a crown of thorns, and I wanted to test it out to see if it was comfortable.
You know, one of the things I love about cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo, no one gives a shit about how you look. No local will say anything to you (maybe an occasional glance, but that's it) and people will let you live your life unmolested. I don't get why people say New York is like this when there is always some stranger who's going to make a comment, whether positive or negative. In Hong Kong, people genuinely leave you alone and are really tolerant.
I think I've gotten really complacent because I just go out wearing whatever I feel like, but sometimes, shitty things happen that remind me of how much I take Hong Kong people's open-mindedness for granted.
I went to a birthday barbecue after the film (which I might write an entry about). The party was in Happy Valley, so I decided to take a streetcar up. I sat down across two Filipino tourists(?) who looked at me and then started laughing derisively and mocking me in Filipino, which they obviously didn't know I spoke.
I glared at them, and I had a few nasty remarks I so wanted to say, but I held my tongue. I'm trying really hard to be a good Buddhist and part of that is removing your anger and not extending misery onto others. I'm still not completely satisfied, but I guess, in the end, what does it matter what two people I don't know or care about think of me?
I'm just going to take this as a reminder to appreciate how lucky I am to live here.
